Maronella keeps on best in Dundalk© Photo Healy Racing
Maronella stayed on stoutly along the rail to take the spoils in the apprentice maiden over a mile in Dundalk.
Caroline Murtagh did the steering for her father Johnny Murtagh who saddled a double on the card as his Russet took race two with Colin Keane in the plate.
The four-year-old filly began to pick up in fourth on the run to the final furlong. Murtagh switched her left towards the rail as the pair tried to hunt down Wheels Of Fortune
Maronella got alongside Wheels Of Fortune with 150 yards to race and powered away to win by a length and a quarter at 8/1.
Wheels Of Fortune was a 9/4 chance on his first race since being gelded. The 11/8 favourite, Jimmy Kelly was a further two and a quarter lengths away in third.
“She's always been a nice filly. She picked up a little injury after Sligo but her work has been good at home,” Johnny Murtagh said.
“I had this race picked out for a while and it probably turned out a stronger race than I thought it would be when I entered her.
“There was a little question mark about the trip but we always thought she would get it and seven or a mile is ideal.
“Caroline gave her a great ride. I couldn't have rode her any better myself. I'm delighted for her and for everyone in the yard. It keeps the owner happy as well.
“Caroline has been riding her work and was telling me she was going well. She was confident this morning. I wish I had more Maronella's for her to ride.”
The winner is owned by Murtagh's wife Orla.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
